Less than three days until we sail out the Golden Gate! Pearl is nearly ready, adorned with a new figurehead, as safe as she can be, almost ready to go. The "to do" list has become a "completed" list, the water and fuel tanks are full, the liferaft repacked, ditchbag filled, provisions are partially acquired and the last of them will be bought on Friday. Storage space has been created in all kinds of formerly empty nooks and crannies, and there should be plenty of room for crew and gear.
Paper and electronic charts have been acquired. A master "Pearl" book is nearly complete, with thru hull diagrams, a list of ditch bag items, insurance and documentation, radio licenses, and a general description of most boat systems. My iPod is loaded with entertainment, a few novels have been selected, and a space cleared to be dedicated to work while underway.
Just a few last minute chores to be done, the only critical one is re-arming all the PFDs aboard. And the creation of a master storage plan so that we can find things again!
A big treat for our departure Saturday: the Maltese Falcon, a 289 foot megayacht owned by investment banker Tom Perkins, is due to arrive under the Golden Gate at 2 p.m. Our departure is at 10 a.m., which should let us get a good look at the world's largest sailing yacht from the Pacific side of the Golden Gate Bridge. www.symaltesefalcon.com
